Gravion [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 13]

Gravion Season 1: A Nostalgic Mecha Ride with Mixed Reactions

If you’re a fan of classic mecha anime, Gravion (2002) might be a name you’ve stumbled upon. Produced by Gonzo and directed by Masami Ōbari, this 13-episode series throws us into a futuristic world where humanity is under siege by the robotic Zeravire. Enter Klein Sandman, a flamboyant millionaire with a penchant for theatrics and a mecha named Gravion, piloted by a group of young, reluctant heroes. The premise sounds exciting, but how does it hold up today? Let’s dive into the show’s strengths, weaknesses, and what fans are saying.

The Premise: Classic Mecha with a Twist

Gravion doesn’t stray far from the mecha formula: giant robots, alien threats, and a ragtag team of pilots. However, it adds a layer of eccentricity with Klein Sandman, whose over-the-top personality and wealth-driven solutions give the show a unique flavor. The first episode sets the stage quickly—Zeravire attacks, the Gravion is unveiled, and the pilots are thrust into action. It’s fast-paced, but some fans argue it’s too fast, leaving little room for character development early on.

One Reddit user pointed out, “The show feels like it’s trying to balance serious mecha action with Sandman’s ridiculousness, and it doesn’t always land.” This duality is a recurring theme in discussions—some love the campy charm, while others find it jarring.

The Characters: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

The pilots of Gravion are a mixed bag. Eiji, the protagonist, is your typical reluctant hero, but his backstory is teased rather than explored in depth. The female pilots, including the fiery Mizuki and the mysterious Raven, have potential but often fall into tropes. A MyAnimeList reviewer noted, “The characters are fun but feel like they’re stuck in 2002—lots of clichés and not enough depth.”

That said, Klein Sandman steals the show. His theatrics and unpredictable nature make him a standout, even if he overshadows the rest of the cast. “Sandman is the only reason I kept watching,” admits one fan. “He’s so extra, and I live for it.”

The Action: Hits and Misses

As a mecha anime, Gravion delivers on the robot battles. The animation, while dated by today’s standards, has a nostalgic charm. The Gravion’s transformations and attacks are flashy, and the Zeravire designs are creatively menacing. However, some fights feel repetitive, with the same tactics used repeatedly. “The action is cool at first, but by episode 10, you’re like, ‘Okay, we get it,’” commented a viewer on Crunchyroll.

The show also introduces a mysterious subplot about the Zeravire’s origins, but it’s barely touched in Season 1. This frustrated some fans, who felt the narrative lacked payoff. “It’s like they forgot to write an ending,” joked one Redditor.

The Soundtrack and Style

One aspect universally praised is the soundtrack. The opening theme, “Gravion ~Over the Galaxy~”, is an absolute banger, blending orchestral and rock elements perfectly. The show’s aesthetic—glossy mecha designs and dramatic lighting—also holds up well. “The music and visuals carry the show hard,” noted a MyAnimeList user.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Flawed Throwback

Gravion is a product of its time—a mecha anime with all the tropes and quirks of early 2000s anime. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining if you’re in the mood for something unapologetically flashy. The characters could use more depth, and the plot feels incomplete without Gravion Zwei, but the action and Sandman’s antics make it a guilty pleasure for many.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “It’s cheesy, it’s ridiculous, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” If that sounds like your vibe, give Gravion a shot. Just don’t expect a masterpiece—expect a wild, nostalgic ride.